I don't think it was anything clinical or compulsive. Something in his upbringing or background just led him to believe that the only way to get what you want in life (or anything in life) was through deceit. He'd make up fibs at work, to girlfriends (and then wives); tell lies to get out of parking tickets, avoid paying bills, etc. I just didn't get it. For a while I could tolerate it (in that weird way guys in particular tolerate bad behavior from their male friends) because I was never on the receiving end (luckily). But I remember that he always had a similar, shifty, uncomfortable quality about his body language I recognize whenever I see SHS.

if your pants were on fire!

That would definitely do it, wouldn't it?

...even more angry and irritated today.

She is certainly an odious person.